Requirements & Courses

Courses

SOA

101

.

Principles of Sociology

4

Introduction to concepts and methods of sociology: society and its institutions, social and cultural change, and their implications. Prerequisite for all other Sociology courses except those in the Anthropology sequence. Computer laboratory; no prior computer experience required.

SOA

111

.

Introduction to Anthropology

4

Introduction to the holistic study of human kind. Development, organization, and functioning of cultures, as well as the relationship between biology and culture. May require a course fee.

SOA

180

.

Topics in Sociology & Anthropology

1-8

Investigation of a selected topic. May be taken only once for credit toward the major.

SOA

*

214

.

Fund. of Biological Anthropology

4

SOA-111 or BIO-120 or Permission

Focus on the physical nature of humankind and the relationship between mind-body-culture. Historic and current theoretical and methodological approaches to the investigation of the human body, its functions, and evolution. Methods and techniques used by paleontologists to investigate ancient hominids and their behavior. Examine current issues such as human demography, “race,” forensics, epidemiology, stem cell research, genetics.

SOA

*

215

.

Michigan Archaeological Fieldwork

4

Spring Term session explores the secrets of “Old Main,” destroyed by fire in 1969 on the Alma cmapus. Excavate the site of “Old Main,” and help document, preserve, and interpret the artifacts found to bring Alma College history to life. Field trips to archaelogical sites in Michigan complement work on campus. Survey and excavation of a local archaeological site. Field methods and record-keeping, preservation of finds, laboratory experience,record-keeping, and public education. Includesclassroom, field, and laboratory work including a service-learning component. SOA-111, 115 or 312 recommended. May require a course fee.

Focus on major prehistoric and historic North American cultures as revealed through archaeology and representative archaeological sites. Special emphasis on Michigan and the Midwest. Opportunities for hands-on, post-excavation laboratory research.

SOA

*

315

.

Michigan Archaeological Field Work

4

SOA-215 or Permission

Spring Term session explores the secrets of “Old Main,” destroyed by fire in 1969 on the Alma cmapus. Excavate the site of “Old Main,” and help document, preserve, and interpret the artifacts found to bring Alma College history to life. Field trips to archaelogical sites in Michigan complement work on campus. Survey and excavation of a local archaeological site. Field methods and record-keeping, preservation of finds, laboratory experience,record-keeping, and public education. Includesclassroom, field, and laboratory work including a service-learning component. SOA-111, 115 or 312 recommended. May require a course fee.

SOA

*

380

.

Topics in Sociology

2-4

SOA-101 and 4 additional credits in SOA

Selected topics such as population and ecology, social and cultural change, sociology of education, or alternative life styles. May be taken more than once for credit. Only eight credits count toward the major in Sociology.